Pinterest is a popular social media tool, similar to Facebook and
Twitter, but also different. It uses “images” first
and then “words” to draw our attention. By design, Pinterest
is a collection of virtual “pinboards" of information
and resources assembled by people like you and organizations from
around the globe.

Are you a caregiver or healthcare professional who can't get to
the Virtual Library? Are you a person with Alzheimer's who wants
a one-stop-shopping resource about the disease? Our Pinterest can
help.

Follow
the Alzheimer's Association Virtual Library Pinterest. Share it
with your family. Have this carefully-selected collection of authoritative
resources and tools about Alzheimer's and other dementias at your
finger tips whenever you need it. It's easy to follow, easy to share,
and it's free.

Social Cataloging and Social Bookmarking

Do you ever lose track of things? I sure do. I collect resources so quickly
that often I don't remember what's on my bookshelf, let alone what's
in my head. I keep telling myself, I need a better way to keep track
of the stuff I hear about or see on the Internet.

I've heard about some new ways of organizing online materials that
take little time to set up. Below are options. Some of them are
free. Make your own lists and save your favorite materials related
to Alzheimer's. Stay connected with other caregivers by sharing
what you've found. Be sure to check out the wiki articles on social
bookmarking and social
cataloging to learn even more.

Shoot me an e-mail if you try any of these and let me know what
you think of them: Mary Ann, Alzheimer's Association librarian:
maryann.urbashich@alz.org

Social cataloging

LibraryThing//www.librarything.com
LibraryThing is third-party software that allows you to catalog your
Alzheimer's books online, for example, and access your catalog from
anywhere. Some small libraries that do not have an online catalog
are using LibraryThing, as well as bigger libraries to allow patrons
to rate and review their library's collection.

When you download LibraryThing you can add up to 200 books for free. Type the names of titles or download from Amazon, the Library of Congress or hundreds of other libraries. Share with your family and friends or link your catalog to your Facebook page.

Search Alzheimer's books, DVD, CDs and articles to create lists, bibliographies and reviews that can be viewed by your friends or just by you. Make the best use of WorldCat and create a sign in account. Everything you need to know is provided through the home page.